Syracuse basketball legend Pearl Washington to have brain surgery

Washington played for Syracuse from 1983 to 1986, leaving after his junior season for the NBA. He was chosen by the Nets with the No. 13 pick in the 1986 NBA draft and played for the team until 1989, when he proclaimed he had lost his desire for the game after three professional seasons.

His brain tumor was first treated in 1995.

Washington, 51, will undergo surgery on Thursday, which his friend Mark Finney describes as a “very serious” procedure. Washington has declined to speak publicly about his condition.

I need everyone to say a special one (prayer) for Pearl Washington. #CuseNation

During his time at Syracuse, Washington averaged 15.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. He was chosen as a consensus All-American after the 1984–85 season. During his time at Syraucse, the team went to the NCAA tournament three times and recorded a 71–24 record.

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